I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 276

Coming of Age Ceremony

Among the common folk, it’s often the case that coming-of-age ceremonies are skipped, but in the noble society that values formality, it’s considered one of the biggest life events.

For the scions set to inherit their families, this coming-of-age ceremony acts as a gateway to becoming the head of the household, making it all the more significant.

Conversely, for daughters of noble families, their grand debut often takes precedence, usually through a débutante ball.

This is simply to say that, in most cases, that’s how it is by custom.

And yet again this year, the newly eighteen-year-olds from various noble families were countless.

Among them, the Robeheim Siblings stand out as a prime example.

The news of the two, who bear an uncanny resemblance to their parents and are trusted to be the cornerstones of their family, simultaneously reaching adulthood spread quickly.

Thanks to this, even before their designated coming-of-age date, people rushed to congratulate the Robeheim family’s good fortune as soon as the new year dawned.

Of course, while there were certainly some sorrowful efforts to stand out, there were also quite a few sincere congratulatory messages.

It was no different from Ariel’s coming of age; this year too, the Robeheim family would host the event.

“Coming of age, huh? Has it really come to that already?”

Edgar’s murmurous thoughts filled the room as a slight smile curved his lips.

His emotions were a colorful blend. Awe at the fact that it had already been nineteen years since they had children and pride at how much they had grown, and on the flip side, a strange bitterness at how time had slipped away so carelessly.

Time truly brings about many changes.

Not all changes are positive, but not everything is empty, either.

At least for Edgar, the joy he felt now outweighed everything else.

And it seemed he wasn’t alone in that sentiment, as at least one more person in the room shared the feeling.

“I know, right? Honestly, I can hardly believe it.”

Ariel, who still boasted an ageless beauty, nodded in agreement as she gracefully perched herself beside him like a butterfly.

Her proximity felt unfair to him, as he couldn’t help but feel the passage of time had been relentless, while Ariel still seemed almost unchanged from her youthful appearance.

It was no wonder Serina often complained that she felt no confidence in her looks because of Ariel.

Edgar couldn’t help but empathize with that sentiment a hundred times over.

“I thought they’d be playing under my skirts forever.”

“Did you really intend to raise them under your skirts for a lifetime?”

“Not at all! I just meant it as a figure of speech.”

As if proving that she was increasingly resembling Edgar, Ariel shrugged playfully.

If someone who had watched the two for a long time, like Helene or others, were around, they would likely burst into laughter at how their actions mirrored each other.

“Looks like you two are acting just the same now.”

Just like at this moment.

“Hey, Sonia! Where’s Allen?”

A voice came unexpectedly, and without a hint of surprise, Ariel directed her question to Sonia.

Today, Sonia appeared to be dressed rather simply, likely because she came only to congratulate the Robeheim siblings.

Her navy dress was neither too extravagant nor too plain.

It contrasted nicely with Sonia’s vivacious personality, almost as if it added to her appeal.

“The kids wanted to say hi, but why are you two never apart?”

Even after nearly twenty years of marriage, seeing them demonstrate the same affection they once had in their honeymoon phase struck Sonia as nothing short of miraculous.

Of course, despite having been with her partner Allen for eight years, she still felt an abundance of love, but she found it fascinating knowing love and marriage were two different realms.

At the same time, curiosity stirred within her. Would they also hold a wedding soon and continue to be such an affectionate couple even twenty years on?

On the other hand, Ariel, who in the past would have blushed at such questions from her sister-in-law, now displayed a sense of poise as she gently rested her head on Edgar’s shoulder.

“It’s because your brother loves me so much.”

“Indeed, our brother is overflowing with love.”

“What a catch you have here.”

As the pair playfully gushed over Edgar, he gently shook his head and discreetly stepped back.

The fact that the two went to such lengths to lavish praise on him meant they wouldn’t stop until they saw him flustered.

Besides, the combined efforts of these two were challenging even for the so-called great hero; in such a scenario, it was best to make a hasty retreat.

Creak.

“Huh? Dad, what are you doing over there?”

Serina entered the room and, sitting at the far end of the long sofa, questioned her father, who was gazing out the window.

With the coming-of-age ceremony about to start, she wondered why Edgar, the one responsible for the congratulatory speech, was absent.

“Your mom and aunt were teasing me. I just needed a moment to escape.”

As he explained his predicament, Edgar gestured for Serina to join him.

Dressed in a blue gown nearly identical to what Ariel had worn previously, their daughter exuded the charm of a woman that was undeniably captivating, not because he was her dad, but in a way that would catch anyone’s eye at a glance.

Perhaps today’s ceremony would be the turning point for her?

“Brother! Didn’t I tell you not to call me aunt? It makes me sound old!”

In contrast to this serene scene, Sonia was fuming, her foot tapping anxiously.

While it was technically correct to call her “aunt” given their family relation, the mere four-year age gap made such a title feel far too embarrassing.

She had her reasons for feeling that way.

However, Edgar, who seldom paid attention to such matters concerning the feelings of the women around him, simply dismissed her remarks.

“A title is a title; an aunt is still an aunt.”

“Can’t you just call me sister?”

“Tell Serina to call you sister. I’m going to call you aunt.”

As a playful smile formed on Edgar’s lips, Sonia quickly realized she was being teased and retreated behind Serina for protection.

Given that Serina had surpassed her in height, from an outsider’s perspective, it looked like the younger sister was the one cuddling up to her older sibling.

“Ugh, Serina. Your dad is being such a pain.”

“It’s alright, sister. To me, you’ll always be my sister, right?”

“Sob, only you, Serina…!”

Seeing the two of them throw themselves into melodrama, Edgar couldn’t help but smirk.

It felt as though Serina aging had reversed their roles in a way.

While he might question if he would want to act that way with a younger sister only four years apart, part of him also believed that was just typical Sonia.

“What about you? Shouldn’t you be getting ready to head out soon?”

At that moment, Ariel, having glanced at the clock on the wall, subtly nodded towards Edgar and asked.

The ceremony was scheduled to start exactly at six o’clock, and the clock’s hands were already pointing toward five forty.

Of course, there would normally be no need for him to get involved in an event celebrating the children’s coming-of-age ceremony, but since he was the one giving the speech today, he had to keep an eye on the time.

“I’m planning to go with the kids when they leave. By the way, why do I even have to do this…?”

Edgar muttered in frustration, letting out a sigh.

Typically, when such an event is hosted by a particular family, the head of that household usually gives the speech.

Just as Yulken had done when Edgar and Ariel celebrated their own coming-of-age.

But for some inexplicable reason, this year, the role suddenly landed on Edgar’s lap.

To top it off, just the night before the ceremony, the schedule had been abruptly changed, causing him to stay up late preparing his speech.

“I can’t believe you’re ready to complain after preparing so hard for it,” Ariel remarked with a sly grin.

“Of course, I should make it special since I’m giving advice to friends who’ll soon become adults.”

Though he considered just making it up as he went along, Edgar decided it was inappropriate and began sketching out his thoughts in advance.

From the perspective of those gathered today, it might feel as if they were reaching the start line of their lives, and he couldn’t just toss around a casual speech to kick off such a monumental day.

“I’m also looking forward to your speech, Dad. You’ll show me something spectacular, right?”

With his daughter clutching him and announcing her expectations in an adorable tone, he wondered what head of a household could possibly slack off in such a scenario.

“Ahem, I will. Just you watch, Serina.”

With a smile that was melting under the pressure from his daughter’s charm, Ariel clicked her tongue, while her eyes turned icy.

“Tch, when my wife says something like that, it’s usually a load of nothing. Just proving that younger blood is preferred, huh?”

“What kind of nonsense are you spouting while talking to our daughter?”

Such ridiculous statements only confused Edgar.

Knock-knock.

“Father, shouldn’t you be heading out soon…?”

Finally, Evan entered, peeking through the slightly open door, calling for his father.

As there were crowds gathering in the hallway, they needed to get moving soon to avoid being late.

“Yeah, right. Let’s go, Serina.”

“Okay, Dad.”

Just as Edgar stood to leave with his daughter,

“Wait a moment, dear.”

Ariel suddenly called out, halting him in his tracks.

“Your tie is crooked. Come here.”

“Really?”

Without a shred of doubt, Edgar stepped closer at his wife’s gesture, and Ariel smiled sweetly while reaching for his tie.

And then—

“Just kidding! Go do your best.”

She tugged the tie gently and pecked him on the cheek, flashing a smile.

“…Heh, alright. I’ll do well.”

“Yes.”

With her encouraging words boosting his confidence, Edgar left the room wearing a self-assured smile.

After all, it wasn’t a bad thing that he’d get to bless the day where both his son and daughter finally reached the starting line in front of so many people.